The piece relies on subtle crescendos and decrescendos . Avoid forcing the high notes; allow the acoustic space to carry the soft ( piano ) sections.
In the PDF, note that rests are rare. Jenkins uses a technique called : Sopranos hold a note while altos enter. Rehearse this by having each section sing their entry alone before combining. The goal is a seamless carpet of sound. karl jenkins ave verum pdf
The piece is typically arranged for choir with divisi (splitting of parts) in key moments. Unlike Mozart’s version which is often sung by chamber choirs, Jenkins’ setting requires a controlled, floating tone. The piece relies on subtle crescendos and decrescendos
| Instrumentation / Version | Publisher/Retailer | Key Details | Estimated Price | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Boosey & Hawkes (via Stretta, Boosey.com, Presto Music) | From Motets ; Difficulty 1/5; 4 minutes duration; Optional piano/organ accompaniment available. | £1.99 - €2.50 | | SATB & Piano | Boosey & Hawkes (via Stretta Music) | Contralto solo (optional); Choral score. | From €2.49 | | Piano Solo | Boosey & Hawkes (via Boosey.com, Stretta) | An instrumental arrangement from the Stabat Mater . | £2.50 | | Voice & Piano (Solo/Duet) | Boosey & Hawkes | The original version written for Bryn Terfel; Optional second voice part included. | $5.99 | Jenkins uses a technique called : Sopranos hold
While often performed a cappella, the official includes a reduction for organ or piano. The keyboard part is crucial: it doubles the vocal lines in a high tessitura (register), using large intervals (tenths and elevenths) that mimic the resonance of cathedral bells.
Searching for a often leads to frustration due to copyright confusion and poor-quality scans. But take it from experienced choral musicians: This piece is worth every penny of the $6–10 price tag.